Actress Natalie Portman has written to U.S. style magazine Allure to explain comments she made during an interview in which she empathized with being black.

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Portman, born in Israel and of Jewish descent, told Allure the attributed quote, "I'm not black, but I know what it feels like," was "personally offensive" when she read it in the publication's August issue, World Entertainment New Network reported Wednesday.

"If I had spoken more articulately, I might have conveyed what I truly feel: I could never know what it is like to be a black American," wrote Portman, who speaks several languages. "The 'it' I was referring to when I said, 'I know what it feels like,' was not intended to signify that I know 'how black people feel' but rather that I know what Dubois' concept of double-consciousness feels like."

Portman also says her quote was taken out of context.

"Had my quote included what I actually said preceding that statement, perhaps my meaning would have been clearer. I sincerely, and with my deepest regrets for offending any readers, apologize and apologize and apologize."